Capsule, a system for preparing a potable beverage from such a capsule and use of such a capsule in a beverage preparation device

ABSTRACT

A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange. The capsule is hermetically closed by an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange. The capsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The capsule further comprises an elastic support structure, which is attached to an outer cover surface of said cover. In a condition, in which the capsule is freely resting with said elastic support structure on a fully straight reference surface, the elastic support structure provides a spacing between the outwardly extending flange and said reference surface, said spacing being constant all around in the circumferential capsule direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/NL2017/050300 filed May 15, 2017, which claims priority toNetherlands Application No. NL 2016780 filed on May 13, 2016, the entirecontents of all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for thepreparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving thesubstance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule,wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a centralcapsule body axis, and wherein a circumferential capsule direction ofthe capsule is extending around said central capsule body axis, saidaluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and anoutwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminumcover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the side wall, the bottom and the cover areenclosing an inner space of the capsule, and wherein the cover has anouter cover surface facing away from the inner space, and wherein thecapsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extendingflange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member ofa beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule aresubstantially sealingly engaged with the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device comprises an annular element having acentral annular element axis and a free contact end, said free contactend of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves.

The invention also relates to a system for preparing a potable beveragefrom a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsulecomprising:

-   -   a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for        receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises        fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure into        the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further        comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for        closing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device,        wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device        further comprises an annular element having a central annular        element axis and a free contact end, said free contact end of        the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality        of radially extending open grooves;    -   a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a        potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance        by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule        by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device,        wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a        central capsule body axis, and wherein a circumferential capsule        direction of the capsule is extending around said central        capsule body axis, said aluminum capsule body being provided        with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange,        the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to the        outwardly extending flange, the cover hermetically closing the        capsule, wherein the side wall, the bottom and the cover are        enclosing an inner space of the capsule, and wherein the cover        has an outer cover surface facing away from the inner space, and        wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member at the        outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact        with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if        the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the        beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed        by means of the closing member of the beverage preparation        device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule        and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule are        substantially sealingly engaged with the enclosing member of the        beverage preparation device.

Furthermore the invention relates to the use of a capsule in a beveragepreparation device comprising an enclosing member for receiving thecapsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluid injection meansfor supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein thebeverage preparation device further comprises a closing member, such asan extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device further comprises an annular element having a centralannular element axis and a free contact end, said free contact end ofthe annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves; wherein the capsule contains asubstance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/ordissolving the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressureinto the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beveragepreparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsulebody having a central capsule body axis, and wherein a circumferentialcapsule direction of the capsule is extending around said centralcapsule body axis, said aluminum capsule body being provided with abottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsulefurther comprising an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extendingflange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the sidewall, the bottom and the cover are enclosing an inner space of thecapsule, and wherein the cover has an outer cover surface facing awayfrom the inner space, and wherein the capsule further comprises asealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluidsealing contact with the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof the closing member of the beverage preparation device, such that theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of thesealing member of the capsule are substantially sealingly engaged withthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device.

A capsule, system and use for preparation of a potable beverage byextracting and/or dissolving a substance by supplying a fluid underpressure into the capsule are known, for example from EP1700548B1.

During use of such a known system, the closing member (e.g. anextraction plate) of the beverage preparation device may undesirablytilt and/or deform relative to the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device. These things usually occur as a result of, forexample, uncleanness and/or wear and/or damage of parts of the beveragepreparation device, and/or as a result of, for example, the use of adamaged capsule. Also the high fluid pressures occurring during usecontribute to such undesirable tiltings and/or deformations of theclosing member relative to the enclosing member. In case of suchundesirable tiltings and/or deformations, the sealing member of thecapsule often will not function as desired, which leads to substantialfluid leakage past certain parts of the sealing member, as well as todecreased quality of the prepared beverage.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a solution according towhich the abovementioned unfavourable consequences of undesirabletiltings and/or deformations of the closing member relative to theenclosing member are reduced.

For that purpose, the invention provides:

-   -   according to a first aspect of the invention, a capsule        according to the appended independent claim 1,    -   according to a second aspect of the invention, a system        according to the appended independent claim 54, and    -   according to a third aspect of the invention, a use of a capsule        according to the appended independent claim 109.

Preferable embodiments of the invention are provided by the appendeddependent claims 2-53, 55-108, and 110-114.

Hence, according to said first aspect of the invention, the inventionprovides a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of apotable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by meansof supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein thecapsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule bodyaxis, and wherein a circumferential capsule direction of the capsule isextending around said central capsule body axis, said aluminum capsulebody being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardlyextending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum coverattached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the side wall, the bottom and the cover areenclosing an inner space of the capsule, and wherein the cover has anouter cover surface facing away from the inner space, and wherein thecapsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extendingflange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member ofa beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule aresubstantially sealingly engaged with the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device comprises an annular element having acentral annular element axis and a free contact end, said free contactend of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves, characterized in that the capsulefurther comprises an elastic support structure, which is attached to theouter cover surface of the cover in a support structure attachment areaof the outer cover surface, wherein the support structure attachmentarea, as seen in projection along the central capsule body axis, isextending at least partly along the outwardly extending flange and atleast partly in the circumferential capsule direction, in such mannerthat, if the capsule is freely resting with its elastic supportstructure on a fully straight reference surface, the elastic supportstructure provides a spacing between the outwardly extending flange andsaid fully straight reference surface, said spacing being constant allaround in the circumferential capsule direction.

Thanks to the elasticity of the elastic support structure at the outercover surface of the cover of the capsule, the elastic support structurewill automatically adapt to a certain extent to the abovementionedundesirable tiltings and/or deformations of the closing member relativeto the enclosing member. That is, in use, certain parts of the elasticsupport structure will deform more than other parts of the elasticsupport structure. This means that, despite the undesirable tiltingand/or deformation of the closing member relative to the enclosingmember, the sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule will have a better fluid sealing contact with the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device. Hence, this results intoreduced fluid leakage past the sealing member at the outwardly extendingflange of the capsule.

The elastic support structure can be mounted releasably to the outercover surface of the cover or fixed thereto, e.g. by welding or by meansof an adhesive.

In case the elastic support structure is formed by one or more separatepieces attached to the outer cover surface of the cover, the elasticsupport structure can be mounted to the capsule as one or more integralpieces. Alternatively it can be applied in fluid or viscous form andthen can harden (e.g. polymerize) once applied onto the outer coversurface of the cover, which is the case e.g. when applying silicone.

For the material of the elastic support structure, preferablyrubber-elastic materials are used. The term “rubber-elastic” means anysuitable material having rubber elasticity including, but not limitedto, elastomers, silicones, plastics, latex, balata, or others.

A preferable embodiment of the invention comprises the additionalfeatures that, if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of the closing member of the beverage preparation device, theelastic support structure along parts of the circumferential capsuledirection defines beverage leakage passageways passing at least radiallythrough the elastic support structure and extending between the outercover surface of the cover of the capsule and the closing member of thebeverage preparation device.

It is remarked that, as used herein, a condition in which the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member, while the enclosing member is closedby means of the closing member, as mentioned above, refers to a closingcondition in which the corresponding closing force is in the range of500-8000 N, preferably 1000-4000 N.

Thanks to the beverage leakage passageways passing at least radiallythrough the elastic support structure, there is provided pressurereduction at the downstream end of the fluid path during use. Saidpressure reduction at the downstream end of the fluid path automaticallyalleviates the fluid pressure at more upstream locations of the fluidpath, such as at the sealing member at the outwardly extending flange ofthe capsule, which under circumstances may result into an additionalreduction of fluid leakage past the sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule.

In a “main preferable capsule-embodiment” of a capsule according to theabovementioned first aspect of the invention, the sealing member isintegral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least oneprojection projecting from the outwardly extending flange, said at leastone projection comprising a projection top, wherein the at least oneprojection is configured such that its projection top exerts a radialforce on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of thebeverage preparation device.

The abovementioned main preferable capsule-embodiment is explained asfollows.

In the abovementioned system known from EP1700548B1, the capsule isprovided with a sealing member having the shape of a step, i.e. a suddenincrease of the diameter of the side wall of the capsule, and theenclosing member of this known system has a sealing surface acting onthe sealing member to provide deflection of the sealing member, thesealing surface being inclined so that the deflection of the sealingmember is an inwards and downwards deformation of the step. Furthermorein the known system the enclosing member comprises a capsule holder anda manually operated or an automatic mechanism for relative displacementof the enclosing member and the capsule holder. The manually operated oran automatic mechanism applies a force on the sealing member of thecapsule when the enclosing member closes on the capsule holder. Thisforce should ensure the fluid tight seal between the enclosing memberand the capsule. Because the manually operated or an automatic mechanismis arranged to be moved relative to the base, the sealing capabilitiesof the system can depend on the pressure of the fluid injected by thefluid injection means. If the pressure of the fluid increases, the forcebetween the sealing member of the capsule and the free end of theenclosing member increases too and thereby the force between the sealingmember of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member increasesalso. The sealing member of the capsule must be arranged such that uponreaching the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member the sealingmember should still provide a fluid sealing contact between theenclosing member and the capsule. However, the sealing member must alsobe arranged such that prior to, or at the start of, brewing when thepressure of the fluid in the enclosing member outside the capsule isrelatively low, the sealing member also provides a fluid sealing contactbetween the enclosing member and the capsule. If at the start ofbrewing, there would not exist a fluid sealing contact between thecapsule and the enclosing member, leakage will occur. However, ifleakage occurs there is a real chance that the pressure in the enclosingmember and outside the capsule will not sufficiently increase forincreasing the force on the sealing member by means of the free end ofthe enclosing member if the manually operated or an automatic mechanismmoves the enclosing member towards the capsule holder. Only if there isa sufficient initial sealing, the pressure in the enclosing member willincrease whereby also the force of the free end of the enclosing memberacting on the sealing member of the capsule will increase for providinga sufficient fluid sealing contact at also the increased fluid pressure.Moreover, this increased fluid pressure outside the capsule alsoprovides an increased fluid pressure inside the capsule which isessential if the capsule is provided with a cover which is arranged totear open on relief members of the capsule holder (also called anextraction plate) of the beverage preparation device under the influenceof fluid pressure in the capsule.

It follows from the above that the sealing member is a member which isvery critical in design. It should be able to provide a fluid sealingcontact between the enclosing member and the capsule at a relatively lowfluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on thesealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member but itshould also provide a fluid sealing contact at a much higher fluidpressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule if a higher forceis applied by means of the free end of the enclosing member to thesealing member of the capsule. In particular, when the free contact endof the enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooveswhich act as air inlet passage once the force between the enclosingmember and the capsule holder is released so that it is easier for auser to take out the capsule, the sealing member must also be able to‘close’ the radially extending open grooves to provide an effectiveseal.

It is an object of the abovementioned main preferable capsule-embodimentto provide an alternative sealing member which is relatively easy tomanufacture, which is environmentally friendly if the capsule isdisposed of after use and/or which provides a satisfactory sealing bothat a relatively low fluid pressure if only a relatively small force isapplied on the sealing member by means of the free end of the enclosingmember (sometimes also called initial seal) and at a much higher fluidpressure if a higher force is applied (e.g. during brewing) by means ofthe free end of the enclosing member to the sealing member of thecapsule, even in case of an enclosing member of which the free contactend is provided with radially extending open grooves.

For that purpose, and as mentioned above, the capsule according theabovementioned main preferable capsule-embodiment is characterized inthat the sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flangeand comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardlyextending flange, the at least one projection comprising a projectiontop, and wherein the at least one projection is configured such that itsprojection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end of theannular element if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.

Since the sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flangeand comprises at least one projection of which the top exerts a radialforce on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device a satisfactory sealing can be obtained. Sucha sealing member is relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, thecapsule can provide a satisfactory sealing with the free contact endprovided with radially extending open grooves. In addition, the sealingfacilitates positioning of the capsule inside the beverage preparationdevice.

In this application the existence of a fluid sealing contact means that0-6%, preferably 0-4%, more preferably 0-2.5% of the total fluidsupplied to the enclosing member for preparing the beverage may leakaway due to leakage between the free contact end and the sealing memberof the capsule.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the capsule contains an extractable product as substance for thepreparation of a potable beverage, the extractable product preferablybeing 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of anextractable product, such as roasted and ground coffee.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is inparticular easy to manufacture the outer diameter of the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of thebottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outwardlyextending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottomof the capsule is about 23.3 mm.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is such that it isdeformed easily if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, preferablythe thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 micrometer,preferably 100 micrometer.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65 micrometer,preferably 30-45 micrometer and more preferably 39 micrometer.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the wallthickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the wall thickness ofthe aluminum capsule body.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thealuminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is inparticular easy to manufacture the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flangeextending from the free end of the side wall in a direction at leastsubstantially transverse to the central capsule body axis. Preferably,the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge, which isbeneficial in obtaining for a satisfactory sealing with the free contactend provided with radially extending open grooves. The radius about thecentral capsule body axis of an inner edge of the curled outer edge ofthe outwardly extending flange is preferably at least 32 mm, so thatclearance from the annular end surface of the enclosure member isensured. It is then preferred that the sealing member is positionedbetween the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body andan inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flangeto obtain a still further satisfactory sealing.

To ensure that the curled outer edge does not interfere with operationof a wide variety of commercially available and future beveragepreparation apparatuses, the curled outer edge of the outwardlyextending flange has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter.

The invention is in particular beneficial for capsules of which theinner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody is about 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the sidewall of the aluminum capsule body and an outermost edge of the outwardlyextending flange can be about 3.8 millimeter. The preferred height ofthe aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which after useis easier for a user to take out of a beverage preparation device thealuminum capsule body is truncated, wherein preferably the side wall ofthe aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse tothe central capsule body axis of about 97.5°.

In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter ofabout 23.3 mm. It is preferred that the bottom of the aluminum capsulebody is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm andthat the bottom further has a generally flat central portion oppositethe cover having a diameter of about 8.3 mm.

In practically all cases a satisfactory seal can be obtained in anembodiment of a capsule according to the invention in which the heightof the sealing member portion to be contacted first by the free end ofthe enclosure member when the enclosure member is closed is at leastabout 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably atleast 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and mostpreferably at most 1.2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thecapsule comprises an inner surface, and wherein on the inner surface ofat least the side wall of the capsule an inner coating is provided. Inparticular, when the capsule is manufactured by deep drawing the innercoating facilitates the deep drawing process. In case the aluminum coverof the capsule is attached to the outwardly extending flange by means ofa sealing lacquer it is then in particular advantageous when the innercoating being composed of the same material as the sealing lacquer. Independence of the inner coating used it is preferred that the sealingmember is free from an inner coating in order to prevent crumbling offof the inner coating from the sealing member.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thecapsule comprises an outer surface, wherein on the outer surface of thecapsule a color lacquer is provided. In order to facilitate in deepdrawing it is preferred to provide on an outer surface of the colorlacquer an outer coating. In dependence of the color lacquer and outercoating used it is preferred that the sealing member is free from acolor lacquer (and consequently the outer coating) in order to preventcrumbling off of the color lacquer/outer coating from the sealingmember.

In a still further embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe at least one projection comprises a projection side wall which isinclined with regard to the outwardly extending flange of the aluminumcapsule body, the projection side wall being configured such that it isdeformed easily if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device. Thisimproves the force exerted on the free contact end and thus improves thesealing. It is then preferred when the distance between the projectionand the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is such that the freecontact end of the annular element is contacted by the projection andthe side wall of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule is positionedin the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device.

In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe sealing member in addition to the at least one projection projectingfrom the outwardly extending flange comprises a plateau between theprojection top and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body. It isbeneficial for providing a seal when a bearing is formed by theprojection, plateau and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body,wherein the distance between the projection and the side wall is suchthat the free contact end of the annular element is enclosed by theprojection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body if the capsuleis positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device.

The projection, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and theplateau can be arranged such that the free contact end of the annularelement is contacted by the plateau if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device.

Alternatively the sealing member can comprise two spaced projections,each projecting from the outwardly extending flange and a plateaubetween the two projections, wherein the distance between the twoprojections is such that the free contact end of the annular element issqueezed between converging surfaces of the two projections if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device. It is then preferredwhen the distance between the two projections is such that the freecontact end of the annular element is contacted by the two projectionsif the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device. In particular, asatisfactory seal can be obtained when the two spaced projections andthe plateau are arranged such that the free contact end of the annularelement is contacted by the plateau if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. The capsule can preferably comprise a bearing forthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsuleis positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, the bearing enclosing at least a portion ofthe free contact end of the annular element and the bearing being formedby the two projections and the plateau there between.

The plateau can be substantially flat or can comprise a curved portion.In particular advantageous is the embodiment of a capsule according tothe invention in which the plateau is V-shaped. In this manner the freecontact end of the annular member is squeezed between the twoprojections providing a satisfactory seal.

A further object of embodiments of the invention is to achieve reliablelow and high pressure sealings against the free contact end of theenclosing member, in particular with little sensitivity to variations indiameter, thickness and shape of the of the free contact end, whichoccur between different models of brewing systems, and non-circularity(e.g. ovality) of the free contact end and/or of the flange of thecapsule. The latter may for instance result from compression of capsulesin a shopping bag or trolley. In an embodiment of the invention, thisobject is achieved by providing that a first one of the two projectionsprojects further from a base portion of the outwardly extending flange,to which base portion the cover is attached, than a second one of thetwo projections.

When the enclosing member closes, if a too large portion of the one ofthe projections projecting furthest from the base portion is locatedunder the axially in line with the free contact end, it is urged awayradially so that the free contact end passes alongside that furthestprojecting one of the projections. This radial displacement alsoentrains the other one of the projections radially towards the freecontact end, so that it is accurately positioned for firm sealingengagement with the free contact end. Moreover, the furthest projectingone of the projections is deformable in radial sense over a relativelylarge distance, so that it can accommodate to relatively largedeviations, while the other one of the projections is relatively stiff,which is advantageous for exerting a firm sealing pressure.

If the first one of the projections is the inner one of the twoprojections, the capsule is particularly suitable for use incommercially available apparatuses such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U,Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza in which the free contact end ofthe annular element is provided with the plurality of radially extendingopen grooves, the grooves being deeper in the inner surface portion thanin the outer surface portion of the free contact end or the groovesbeing absent in the outer surface portion of the free contact end. Insuch apparatuses, a reliable and accurately positioned seal is obtainedbetween the second one of the projections and the relatively smoothouter surface portion of the free contact end.

For achieving a reliable seal, it is also advantageous if the first oneof the two projections has an extreme top end extending around thecapsule axis at a diameter of 31.9 to 32.4 mm and the second one of thetwo projections has an extreme top end extending around the capsule axisat a diameter of 29.2 to 29.8 mm. Thus, when used in commerciallyavailable coffee making apparatuses such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U,Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza, an outer edge area of the free endof the enclosing member is firmly pressed against the second projection.

If the plateau is axially spaced from the cover, this area between thefirst and second projections is displaced axially towards the cover asthe enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of thebeverage preparation device. This causes the first projection and thesecond projection to deform towards the free contact end of the annularelement, due to tilting and “rolling off” of the first projection andthe second projection, thereby increasing the radial contact pressureexerted against the free contact end of the annular element, whichcontributes to achieving a satisfactory seal.

In a “main preferable system-embodiment” of a system according to theabovementioned second aspect of the invention, the sealing member isintegral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least oneprojection projecting from the outwardly extending flange, said at leastone projection comprising a projection top, and wherein the at least oneprojection is configured such that its projection top exerts a radialforce on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of thebeverage preparation device.

Since the sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flangeand comprises at least one projection of which the top exerts a radialforce on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device a satisfactory sealing can be obtained. Sucha sealing member is relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, thecapsule can provide a satisfactory sealing with the free contact endprovided with radially extending open grooves.

The projection or projections may project from at least one base portionof the flange to which base portion the cover is attached. Theprojection or projections may project axially from the base portion in adirection away from the cover. The projection top may constitute aportion of the projection, for instance a half, a third or a quarter ofthe projection, that is axially most distal from the base portion.

Regarding the preferred embodiments of the system as mentioned in thedependent claims which relate to the same features as the features ofthe dependent claims of the capsule reference is made to the above.

The invention is particularly suitable in a system according to theinvention wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar,preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at such high pressures asatisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can beobtained.

Preferably the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, afree end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceexerts a force F2 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide afluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device,wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In particular the system isarranged such that, in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, a freeend of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts aforce F1 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealingcontact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is inthe range of 30-150 N preferably in the range of 40-150 N, morepreferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the rangeof 0.1-4 bar, preferably between 0.1-1 bar.

In an embodiment of a system according to the invention wherein theplurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spacedrelative to each other in tangential direction of the free contact endof the annular element of the beverage preparation device so that it iseasier for a user to take out the capsule while a satisfactory sealbetween capsule and beverage preparation device can still be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention thelongest tangential width of each groove (top to top, i.e. equal to thegroove to groove pitch) is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, morepreferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove inan axial direction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice is 0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number ofgrooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular endsurface at the location of the grooves may for instance be 0.05-0.9 mm,preferably 0.2-0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3-0.55 mm. The invention isin particular suitable when applied to an embodiment of a systemaccording to the invention in which during use when the closing memberof the beverage preparation device closes the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device at least the free contact end of theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device can move relative tothe closing member of the beverage preparation device under the effectof the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device towards the closing member of the beveragepreparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange ofthe capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device. The enclosing member may comprise a first part and asecond part wherein the second part comprises the free contact end ofthe enclosing member wherein the second part can move relative to thefirst part between a first and second position. The second part can movefrom the first positon towards the second position in the direction ofthe closing member under the influence of fluid pressure in theenclosing member. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if thesecond part is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The forceF2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part is moved towardsthe second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in theenclosing member.

Regarding the advantages of a use of a capsule according to theabovementioned third aspect of the invention, and of the preferredembodiments of the use as mentioned in the appended dependent claimswhich correspond to the features of the appended dependent claims of thecapsule or of the appended dependent claims of the system, reference ismade to the above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting,examples referring to the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 in a perspective view shows an embodiment of a beveragepreparation device of a system according to the invention showing thefree contact end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice with the plurality of radially extending open grooves;

FIG. 3A in cross section shows an embodiment of a capsule according tothe invention before use;

FIG. 3B shows an enlarged detail of the capsule of FIG. 3A showing theoutwardly extending flange and the sealing member;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged detail of the outwardly extending flange ofthe capsule in FIGS. 3A and 3B after use;

FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4C shows a third embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4E shows a fifth embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4F shows a sixth embodiment of a seal member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4G shows a seventh embodiment of a seal member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention; and

FIG. 5A shows in side view a further example of a capsule according tothe invention, based on a first embodiment of the elastic supportstructure of the capsule;

FIG. 5B shows the example of FIG. 5A in an orthogonal view onto theouter cover surface of the cover of the capsule;

FIG. 6A shows in side view a further example of a capsule according tothe invention, based on a second embodiment of the elastic supportstructure of the capsule; and

FIG. 6B shows the example of FIG. 6A in an orthogonal view onto theouter cover surface of the cover of the capsule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures and the following description, like reference numeralsrefer to like features.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation, in cross sectional view, of anembodiment of a system 1 for preparing a potable beverage from a capsuleusing a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule. The system 1comprises a capsule 2, and a beverage preparation device 4. The device 4comprises enclosing member 6 for holding the capsule 2. The device 4further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, 8 forsupporting the capsule 2.

In FIG. 1 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2, the enclosing member 6and the extraction plate 8 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, inuse, the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the enclosing member 6 andthe extraction plate member 8. Commonly, the enclosing member 6 has ashape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. The beveragepreparation device 4 further comprises a fluid injection means 10 forsupplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure in therange of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar, to the exchangeablecapsule 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises analuminum capsule body 12 having a central capsule body axis 12A and analuminum cover 14. In the present context, the meaning of ‘aluminum’ isunderstood to also include aluminum alloy. In this example, the aluminumcapsule body 12 comprises a side wall 16, a bottom 18 closing the sidewall 16 at a first end, and a outwardly extending flange 20 extendingoutwardly of the circumferential wall 16 at a second end opposite thebottom 18. The side wall 16, the bottom 18 and the cover 14 enclose aninner space 22 comprising a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance. Preferably thesubstance is an extractable product for the preparation of a potablebeverage, the extractable product preferably being 5-20 grams,preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of roasted and groundcoffee for the preparation of a single beverage. The capsule isinitially sealed, i.e. is hermetically closed prior to use.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 comprises bottom piercing means 24 for piercingthe bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating at least one entranceopening 25 in the bottom 18 for supplying the fluid to the extractableproduct through the entrance opening 25.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 further comprises cover piercing means 26, hereembodied as protrusions of the closing member 8, for piercing the cover14 of the capsule 2. The cover piercing means 26 may be arranged to tearthe cover 14 once a (fluid) pressure inside the inner space 22 exceeds athreshold pressure and presses the cover 14 against the cover piercingmeans 26 with sufficient force. The aluminum cover 14 thus is arrangedto tear open on the closing member 8 of the beverage preparation deviceunder the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

The capsule 2 further comprises a sealing member 28 integral with theoutwardly extending flange, in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B indicated as a generalbox but more detailed described with regard to FIG. 4, which sealingmember 28 is arranged for providing a fluid sealing contact with theenclosing member 6 if the capsule 2 is positioned in the enclosingmember 6 and the enclosing member 6 is closed by means of the extractionplate 8, such that the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2and at least a portion of the sealing member 28 are sealingly engagedbetween the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8. This meansthat a fluid sealing contact between the sealing member and the freecontact end is established.

The capsule 2 further comprises an elastic support structure 29, whichis attached to the outer cover surface of the cover 14, wherein theouter cover surface is facing away from the inner space 22. In FIGS. 1,3A-3B, 4A-4G this elastic support structure 29 is indicated as a generalbox 29, but it is shown and described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6B.

As shown in FIG. 2 the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparationdevice comprises an annular element 41 having a central annular elementaxis 41A and a free contact end 30. The free contact end 30 of theannular element 41 is provided with a plurality of radially extendingopen grooves 40. The plurality of radially extending open grooves 40 areuniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of thefree contact end 30 of the annular element 41. The longest tangentialwidth of each groove 40 is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, morepreferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove 40in an axial direction of the enclosing member 6 is 0.01-0.09 mm,preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and mostpreferred 0.05 mm. The number of grooves 40 lies in the range of 90 to110, preferably 96. Usually, the radial width of the free end at thelocation of the grooves is 0.05-0.9 mm, more specifically 0.2-0.7 mm,more specifically 0.3-0.55 mm.

An embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown moredetailed in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the shown embodiment the outer diameterODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is larger than the diameter DBof the bottom 18 of the capsule 2. In the shown embodiment the outerdiameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is approximately 37.1mm and the diameter DB of the bottom 18 is about 23.3 mm. The thicknessof the aluminum capsule body 12 is such that it is deformed easily ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device, preferably thethickness of the aluminum capsule body is 100 micrometer, but in otherembodiments the thickness can be 20 to 200 micrometer.

In the shown embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is39 micrometer. The wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is preferablysmaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.

The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42opposite the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of theside wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. Theoutwardly extending flange 20 extends from that free end 42 in adirection at least substantially transverse to the central capsule bodyaxis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curled outeredge 43 which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule andthe enclosing member. In the shown embodiment the curled outer edge 43of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a largest dimension of about1.2 millimeter. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the sidewall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an inner edge 43A of thecurled outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the distance DOF between thefree end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and anoutermost edge 43B of the outwardly extending flange 20 is about 3.8millimeter. The radius about the central capsule body axis of the inneredge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is preferably at least 32 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the sealing member 28 is positioned betweenthe free end of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and theinner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 42 of the outwardly extendingflange. The sealing member 28 is indicated as a general box, but will bedescribed in more detail below. Irrespective of the embodiment of thesealing member 28 the height of the sealing member portion to becontacted first by the free end of the enclosure member when theenclosure member is closed is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably atleast 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, morepreferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm for providinga correct seal.

As can be seen from FIG. 3A the aluminum capsule body 12 is truncated.In the embodiment shown, the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body12 encloses an angle A with a line transverse to the central capsulebody axis 12A of about 97.5°. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body12 has a largest inner diameter DB of about 23.3 mm. The bottom 18 ofthe aluminum capsule body 12 is also truncated, and in the shownembodiment has a bottom height BH of about 4.0 mm. The bottom 18 furtherhas a generally flat central portion 18A opposite the cover 14, whichcentral portion 18A has a diameter DEE of about 8.3 mm and in whichcentral portion 18A the entrance opening(s) 25 may be made. The entranceopenings may also be made in the truncated portion between the centralportion 18A and the side wall 16. The total height TH of the aluminumcapsule body 12 of the capsule is about 28.4 mm.

The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is operated as follows for preparing a cupof a potable beverage, in the present example coffee, wherein thesubstance is roasted and ground coffee.

The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate8 is brought into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means24 pierce the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating the entranceopenings 25. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied tothe extractable product in the inner space 22 through the entranceopenings 25. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract thedesired substances to form the coffee beverage.

During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 22, thepressure inside the capsule 2 will rise. The rise in pressure will causethe cover 14 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 26of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, thetear strength of the cover 14 will be surpassed and the cover 14 willrupture against the lid piercing means 26, creating exit openings. Theprepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the exit openingsand outlets 32 (see FIG. 1) of the extraction plate 8, and may besupplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

The system 1 is arranged such that prior to or at the start of brewing,the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F1 on thesealing member 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contactbetween the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and theenclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is inthe range of 30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N,when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar,preferably 0.1-1 bar. During brewing, the free end 30 of the enclosingmember 6 exerts a force F2 on the sealing member 28 of the capsule 2 toprovide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6, wherein the force F2 isin the range of 500-1500 N, preferably in the range of 750-1250 N, whenthe fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6 of the beveragepreparation device outside the capsule 2 is in the range of 6-20 bar,preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the shown embodiment the freecontact end of enclosing member 6 can move relative to the extractingplate 8 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosingmember 6 device towards the extraction plate 8 for applying the maximumforce F2 between the outwardly extending flange 20 and the free end 30of the enclosing member 6. This movement can take place during use, i.e.in particular at the start of brewing and during brewing. The enclosingmember 6 has a first part 6A and a second part 6B wherein the secondpart comprises the free contact end 30. The second part 6B can moverelative to the first part 6A between a first and second position. Thesecond part 6B can move from the first positon towards the secondposition in the direction of the closing member 8 under the influence offluid pressure in the enclosing member 6. The force F1 as discussedabove may be reached if the second part 6B is in the first position witha fluid pressure P1. The force F2 as discussed above may be reached ifthe second part 6B is moved towards the second position under theinfluence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6.

As a result of the force applied the sealing member 28 of the capsuleaccording to the invention undergoes a plastic deformation and closelyconforms to the grooves 40 of the free contact end 30 and thus providesa fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member 6 and the capsule 3at a relatively low fluid pressure during start up of brewing but alsoprovides a fluid sealing contact at the much higher fluid pressure inthe enclosing member outside the capsule during brewing. This closeconformation to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member is indicated inFIG. 3C which shows the capsule 2 of the invention after use, and whichclearly indicates that the outwardly extending flange 20 comprisesdeformations 40′ which conform to the grooves 40 of the enclosingmember.

Now exemplary embodiments of a sealing member 28 at the outwardlyextending flange 20 of the capsule 2 according to the invention will bedescribed in more detail with regard to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of a sealing member 28 forming anadditional bearing at the outwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule 2according to the invention. The sealing member and the remainder of thecapsule body are made of the same plate material. The sealing member 28comprises two spaced projections 50 and 51, each projecting axially froma base portion of the outwardly extending flange 20, to which baseportion the cover 14 is attached, in a direction away from the cover 14.A plateau 52 is present between the two projections 50 and 51. Thedistance between the two projections 50 and 51 is such that the freecontact end of the annular element 6 is squeezed between convergingsurfaces of the two projections 50 and 51 if the capsule is positionedin the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A the plateau ispositioned at a distance above the portion of the outwardly extendingflange 20 between the sealing member 28 and the curled edge 43 and issubstantially flat. The distance between the two projections 50 and 51is further such that the free contact end of the annular element iscontacted by the two projections 50 and 51 if the capsule is positionedin the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. Further, the two spaced projections 50, 51 and theplateau 52 are arranged such that the free contact end of the annularelement is contacted by the plateau if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. As can be seen in FIG. 4A each projection 50, 51comprises a projection side wall which is inclined with regard to theoutwardly extending flange 20 of the aluminum capsule body. Theprojection side wall is configured such that it is deformed easily ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device.

FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of a sealing member 28 at theoutwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention.When compared with FIG. 4A the following differences are noted. Eachprojection 50, 51 now comprises a projection side wall which istransverse with regard to the outwardly extending flange 20 of thealuminum capsule body. Further, in this second embodiment the plateau 52is curved, preferably conforming to the shape of the free contact end ofthe annular element 6.

FIG. 4C shows a third embodiment of a sealing member 28 at the outwardlyextending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention, whichtogether with the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body forms anadditional bearing for the enclosing member. The shown sealing member 28comprises a projection 53 projecting from the outwardly extending flange20 and an inclined, substantially flat plateau 52 between a roundedtopmost end portion of the projection 53 and the side wall 16 of thealuminum capsule body. In this embodiment the bearing is formed by theprojection 53, the plateau 52 and the side wall 16 of the aluminumcapsule body. The distance between the top of the projection 53 and theside wall 16 is such that the free contact end of the annular element 6is enclosed by the projection 53 and the side wall 16 of the aluminumcapsule body if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device. In particularthe distance between the projection 53 and the side wall 16 of thealuminum capsule body is such that the free contact end of the annularelement 6 is contacted by the projection 53 and the side wall 16 and inthe shown embodiment also the plateau 52 of the aluminum capsule body ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device.

FIG. 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a sealing member 28 at theoutwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention,which together with the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body formsan additional bearing for the enclosing member. When compared with FIG.4C the following differences are noted. In this fourth embodiment theplateau 52 is curved, and comprises a curved portion and also a flatportion which is situated at the same level as the portion of theoutwardly extending flange 20 between the projection 53 and the curvededge 43. The curved portion preferably conforms to the shape of the freecontact end of the annular element 6. FIG. 4E shows a fifth embodimentof a sealing member 28 at the outwardly extending flange 20 of a capsuleaccording to the invention, which together with the side wall 16 of thealuminum capsule body forms a bearing for the enclosing member. Whencompared with FIG. 4D the following difference is noted. In this fifthembodiment the flat portion of the plateau 52 is situated at a distanceabove the portion of the outwardly extending flange 20 between theprojection 53 and the curved edge 43. The distance between 2 theprojection 53 is preferably 0.9-1.25 mm, which allows the free end ofthe closing member of widely used and commercially available beveragepreparation devices (such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie,Inissia and Essenza) to be reliably squeezed against the projections 53with the side wall 16 in close proximity thereto.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4C to 4E the projection 53 comprisesan outer projection side wall 54 which is transverse to the portion ofthe outwardly extending flange between the projection 53 and the curlededge 43, but in other embodiments this outer projection side wall 54 canbe inclined with regard to the portion of the outwardly extending flange20.

In all the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E each of the projectionscomprises a projection top constituting a portion of the projection, forinstance a half, a third or a quarter of the projection, that is axiallymost distal from the base portion of the flange 28 to which the cover 14is attached. At least one projection but preferably all projectionsforming the additional bearing is/are configured such that itsprojection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end of theannular element 6 if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.

FIG. 4F shows a sixth embodiment of a seal member 28 at the outwardlyextending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention. Whencompared with e.g. FIG. 4B the following differences are noted. In thissixth embodiment the plateau 52 is V-shaped, with the bottom of theV-shaped being at the same level as the base portion of the outwardlyextending flange 20 between the outer projection 51 and the curled edge43. In this manner no bearing for the free contact end of the annularmember 6 is formed, but the projection top of the inner projection 50exerts a radial force direct outwardly on the free contact end of theannular element 6 and the projection top of the outer projection 51exerts a radial force direct inwardly on the free contact end of theannular element 6 if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device. In thismanner the free contact end is squeezed by the sealing member 28 therebyproviding a satisfactory seal.

In capsules in which the sealing member 28 has projections 50, 51 and aplateau or through 52 in between, as by way of example shown in FIGS.4A, 4B, and 4F, the center of the plateau or through 52, which extendscircumferentially around the center axis of the capsule, preferably hasa diameter of 29-33 mm, more preferably 30.0-31.4 mm and most preferably30.3-31.0 mm, so that (seen in radial cross-section) the free end of theclosing member of widely used and commercially available beveragepreparation devices (such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie,Inissia and Essenza) lands accurately centered between the projections50, 51 and the squeezing effect is evenly distributed over the inner andouter projections 50, 51. For effective squeezing in such apparatuses,the distance between projections 50, 51 is preferably 0.9-1.25 mm.

FIG. 4G shows a seventh embodiment of a seal member 28 at the outwardlyextending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention. As alsoshown in FIG. 2, the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparationdevice has an annular element 41 having a free contact end 30 with aplurality of radially extending open grooves 40 of which some are shownin FIG. 4G.

As in the examples shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4F, the sealing member 28has two spaced projections 50 and 51, each projecting axially from abase portion 21, 23 of the outwardly extending flange 20, to which baseportions 21, 23 the cover 14 is attached, in a direction away from thecover 14. As in the example shown in FIG. 4F, a plateau 52 having arounded bottom is located between the two projections 50 and 51.

A difference compared with the examples shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4F isthat, in the example shown in FIG. 4G, a first one of the twoprojections 51 projects further from a base portion 23 of the outwardlyextending flange 20 than a second one of the two projections 50.

The free contact end 30 of the annular element 41 may first contact thefirst one of the two projections 51 and subsequently contacts the secondone of the two projections if the capsule is positioned in the enclosingmember 6 of the beverage preparation device and as the enclosing member6 is closed by means of the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice.

If the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member, thefree contact end 30 of the annular element 41 has an innercircumferential surface portion 71 contacting the inner projection 51and an outer circumferential surface portion 70 contacting the outerprojection 50. The radially extending open grooves 40 are deeper in theinner surface portion 71 than in the outer surface portion 70 or thegrooves may be absent in the outer surface portion 70. Thus, thesmaller, relatively stiff outer projection 50 is firmly and accuratelypressed against the relatively smooth outer surface portion 70 of thefree contact end 30.

When the free contact end 30 of the annular element 41 contacts theinner one of the two projections 51, the capsule is centered relative tothe enclosing member 6. Moreover, if the inner one of the twoprojections 51 is radially too far to the outside, for instance locallydue to non-circularity or generally due to the free contact area havinga relatively small diameter, the free contact end urges the inner one ofthe two projections 71 radially inwardly. The outer one of the twoprojections is thereby entrained inwardly, so that a reliable firmsealing pressure is exerted onto the outer one of the two projections 50in spite of the relatively small deformability of that outer projection51. Due to the stiffness of the outer one of the two projections 50, alarge contact force is exerted as it is deformed, the relatively highcounter pressure provides a particularly reliable seal with highpressure resistance.

The distance between the two projections 50 and 51 is such thatultimately the free contact end 30 of the annular element 41 is squeezedbetween converging surfaces of the two projections 50 and 51 when theenclosing member is fully closed by means of the closing member.

The plateau 52 is axially spaced from the cover 14. This allows theplateau 52 between the projections 50, 51 to be displaced in thedirection of movement of the free end 30 of the annular element 41 asthe enclosing member 6 is closed, urging the projections 50, 51 to betilted and roll off inwardly against the free end 30 of the annularelement 41 as the enclosing member 6 is closed. This increases theradial sealing pressure that is exerted (in addition to the axialclosing pressure), so that an increased sealing pressure is availablefor providing a satisfactory seal.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5B, which show the abovementionedfirst embodiment of the elastic support structure of the shown capsule 2according to the invention. In the shown example, the elastic supportstructure has been indicated by the reference numerals 29. It is notedthat the capsule 2 has been shown in FIGS. 5A-5B without a curled outeredge, such as the abovementioned curled outer edges 43. This has beendone merely for reasons of clarity, the capsule 2 of FIGS. 5A-5B may ofcourse be provided with various kinds of such curled outer edges.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate that the elastic support structure 29 is attachedto the outer cover surface of the cover 14 in a support structureattachment area of the outer cover surface, wherein the supportstructure attachment area, as seen in projection along the centralcapsule body axis 12A, is extending at least partly along the outwardlyextending flange 20 and at least partly in the circumferential capsuledirection.

FIGS. 5A-5B further illustrate that, if the capsule 2 would be freelyresting with its elastic support structure 29 on a fully straightreference surface, the elastic support structure would then provide aspacing 77 between the outwardly extending flange 20 and said fullystraight reference surface, said spacing 77 being constant all around inthe circumferential capsule direction.

Furthermore FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate that, if the capsule 2 would bepositioned in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation deviceand if the enclosing member 6 would be closed by means of the closingmember 8 of the beverage preparation device, the elastic supportstructure 29 along parts of the circumferential capsule direction wouldthen define beverage leakage passageways 31 passing at least radiallythrough the elastic support structure 29 and extending between the outercover surface of the cover 14 of the capsule 2 and the closing member 8of the beverage preparation device. Therein, the arrows 34, shown inFIG. 5B, are indicating beverage leakage flow, which in use is occurringthrough the beverage leakage passageways 31.

From FIGS. 5A-5B it furthermore follows that the capsule 2, whichcomprises this first embodiment of the elastic support structure 29, hasthe more specific features that the support structure attachment areahas a shape which has at least one interruption relative to aclosed-loop shape all around in the circumferential capsule direction,and that, as seen in projection along the central capsule body axis 12Aonto the outer cover surface of the cover 14, at least one firstbeverage leakage passageway 31 of the beverage leakage passageways 31corresponds to said at least one interruption, respectively, relative tosaid closed-loop shape.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6B, which show the abovementionedsecond embodiment of the elastic support structure of the shown capsule102 according to the invention. In the shown example, the elasticsupport structure has been indicated by the reference numerals 129A and129B. It is noted that the capsule 102 has been shown in FIGS. 6A-6Bwithout a curled outer edge, such as the abovementioned curled outeredges 43. This has been done merely for reasons of clarity, the capsule102 of FIGS. 6A-6B may of course be provided with various kinds of suchcurled outer edges.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate that the elastic support structure 129A-129B isattached to the outer cover surface of the cover 14 in a supportstructure attachment area of the outer cover surface, wherein thesupport structure attachment area, as seen in projection along thecentral capsule body axis 12A, is extending at least partly along theoutwardly extending flange 20 and at least partly in the circumferentialcapsule direction (in this case in fact all around in thecircumferential capsule direction).

FIGS. 6A-6B further illustrate that, if the capsule 102 would be freelyresting with its elastic support structure 129A-129B on a fully straightreference surface, the elastic support structure would then provide aspacing 177 between the outwardly extending flange 20 and said fullystraight reference surface, said spacing 177 being constant all aroundin the circumferential capsule direction.

Furthermore FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate that, if the capsule 102 would bepositioned in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member 6 would be closed by means of the closingmember 8 of the beverage preparation device, the elastic supportstructure 129A-129B along parts of the circumferential capsule directionwould define beverage leakage passageways 131 passing at least radiallythrough the elastic support structure 129A-129B and extending betweenthe outer cover surface of the cover 14 of the capsule 102 and theclosing member 8 of the beverage preparation device. Therein, the arrows134, shown in FIG. 6B, are indicating beverage leakage flow, which inuse is occurring through the beverage leakage passageways 131.

From FIGS. 6A-6B it furthermore follows that the capsule 102, whichcomprises this second embodiment of the elastic support structure129A-129B, has the more specific features that at least one secondbeverage leakage passageway 131 of the beverage leakage passageways 131is defined by the elastic support structure 129A-129B in that, if thecapsule 102 is freely resting with its elastic support structure on saidfully straight reference surface, the elastic support structure has alocally reduced height, measured along the central capsule body axis12A, said locally reduced height being smaller than said spacing 177between the outwardly extending flange 20 and said fully straightreference surface.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. Capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means ofsupplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the capsulecomprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis,and wherein a circumferential capsule direction of the capsule isextending around said central capsule body axis, said aluminum capsulebody being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardlyextending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum coverattached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the side wall, the bottom and the cover areenclosing an inner space of the capsule, and wherein the cover has anouter cover surface facing away from the inner space, and wherein thecapsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extendingflange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member ofa beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule aresubstantially sealingly engaged with the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device comprises an annular element having acentral annular element axis and a free contact end, said free contactend of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves, wherein the capsule further comprisesan elastic support structure, which is attached to the outer coversurface of the cover in a support structure attachment area of the outercover surface, wherein the support structure attachment area, as seen inprojection along the central capsule body axis, is extending at leastpartly along the outwardly extending flange and at least partly in thecircumferential capsule direction, in such manner that, if the capsuleis freely resting with its elastic support structure on a fully straightreference surface, the elastic support structure provides a spacingbetween the outwardly extending flange and said fully straight referencesurface, said spacing being constant all around in the circumferentialcapsule direction.
 2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein, if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of theclosing member of the beverage preparation device, the elastic supportstructure along parts of the circumferential capsule direction definesbeverage leakage passageways passing at least radially through theelastic support structure and extending between the outer cover surfaceof the cover of the capsule and the closing member of the beveragepreparation device.
 3. Capsule according to claim 2, wherein the supportstructure attachment area has a shape which has at least oneinterruption relative to a closed-loop shape all around in thecircumferential capsule direction, and wherein, as seen in projectionalong the central capsule body axis onto the outer cover surface of thecover, at least one first beverage leakage passageway of the beverageleakage passageways corresponds to said at least one interruption,respectively, relative to said closed-loop shape.
 4. Capsule accordingto claim 2, wherein at least one second beverage leakage passageway ofthe beverage leakage passageways is defined by the elastic supportstructure in that, if the capsule is freely resting with its elasticsupport structure on said fully straight reference surface, the elasticsupport structure has a locally reduced height, measured along thecentral capsule body axis, said locally reduced height being smallerthan said spacing between the outwardly extending flange and said fullystraight reference surface.
 5. Capsule according to claim 1, whereinsaid spacing between the outwardly extending flange and said fullystraight reference surface is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2mm, and more preferably at least 0.8 mm.
 6. Capsule according to claim1, wherein said spacing between the outwardly extending flange and saidfully straight reference surface is at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2mm, and more preferably at most 1.2 mm.
 7. Capsule according to claim 1,wherein the sealing member is integral with the outwardly extendingflange and comprises at least one projection projecting from theoutwardly extending flange, said at least one projection comprising aprojection top, and wherein the at least one projection is configuredsuch that its projection top exerts a radial force on the free contactend of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member isclosed by means of the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice.
 8. Capsule according to claim 7, wherein the sealing membercomprises a further projection projecting from the outwardly extendingflange and a plateau between said two projections, wherein the distancebetween the two projections is such that the free contact end of theannular element is enclosed between the two projections if the capsuleis positioned in the enclosing member and as the enclosing member isclosed by means of the closing member.
 9. Capsule according to claim 8,wherein a first one of the two projections projects further from a baseportion of the outwardly extending flange, to which base portion thecover is attached, than a second one of the two projections. 10-52.(canceled)
 53. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing memberand the remainder of the capsule body are made of the same platematerial.
 54. System for preparing a potable beverage from a capsuleusing a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule, the systemcomprising: a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing memberfor receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluidinjection means for supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule,wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closingmember, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device further comprises an annular element havinga central annular element axis and a free contact end, said free contactend of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves; a capsule containing a substance forthe preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolvingthe substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into thecapsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device,wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a centralcapsule body axis, and wherein a circumferential capsule direction ofthe capsule is extending around said central capsule body axis, saidaluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and anoutwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminumcover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the side wall, the bottom and the cover areenclosing an inner space of the capsule, and wherein the cover has anouter cover surface facing away from the inner space, and wherein thecapsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extendingflange for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of the closing member of the beveragepreparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule aresubstantially sealingly engaged with the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device, wherein the capsule further comprises anelastic support structure, which is attached to the outer cover surfaceof the cover in a support structure attachment area of the outer coversurface, wherein the support structure attachment area, as seen inprojection along the central capsule body axis, is extending at leastpartly along the outwardly extending flange and at least partly in thecircumferential capsule direction, in such manner that, if the capsuleis freely resting with its elastic support structure on a fully straightreference surface, the elastic support structure provides a spacingbetween the outwardly extending flange and said fully straight referencesurface, said spacing being constant all around in the circumferentialcapsule direction.
 55. System according to claim 54, wherein, if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of theclosing member of the beverage preparation device, the elastic supportstructure along parts of the circumferential capsule direction definesbeverage leakage passageways passing at least radially through theelastic support structure and extending between the outer cover surfaceof the cover of the capsule and the closing member of the beveragepreparation device.
 56. System according to claim 55, wherein thesupport structure attachment area has a shape which has at least oneinterruption relative to a closed-loop shape all around in thecircumferential capsule direction, and wherein, as seen in projectionalong the central capsule body axis onto the outer cover surface of thecover, at least one first beverage leakage passageway of the beverageleakage passageways corresponds to said at least one interruption,respectively, relative to said closed-loop shape.
 57. System accordingto claim 55, wherein at least one second beverage leakage passageway ofthe beverage leakage passageways is defined by the elastic supportstructure in that, if the capsule is freely resting with its elasticsupport structure on said fully straight reference surface, the elasticsupport structure has a locally reduced height, measured along thecentral capsule body axis, said locally reduced height being smallerthan said spacing between the outwardly extending flange and said fullystraight reference surface.
 58. System according to claim 54, whereinsaid spacing between the outwardly extending flange and said fullystraight reference surface is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2mm, and more preferably at least 0.8 mm.
 59. System according to 54-58claim 54, wherein said spacing between the outwardly extending flangeand said fully straight reference surface is at most 3 mm, preferably atmost 2 mm, and more preferably at most 1.2 mm.
 60. System according to54-59 claim 54, wherein the sealing member is integral with theoutwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projectionprojecting from the outwardly extending flange, said at least oneprojection comprising a projection top, and wherein the at least oneprojection is configured such that its projection top exerts a radialforce on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of thebeverage preparation device.
 61. System according to claim 60, whereinthe sealing member comprises a further projection projecting from theoutwardly extending flange and a plateau between said two projections,wherein the distance between the two projections is such that the freecontact end of the annular element is squeezed between convergingsurfaces of the two projections if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of the closing member of the beveragepreparation device.
 62. System according to claim 61, wherein a firstone of the two projections projects further from a base portion of theoutwardly extending flange, to which base portion the cover is attached,than a second one of the two projections, such that the free contact endof the annular element first contacts the first one of the twoprojections and subsequently contacts the second one of the twoprojections if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member and asthe enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member. 63.System according to claim 61, wherein the first one of the twoprojections is an inner one of the two projections and wherein the firstcircumferential surface portion is radially outside of the secondcircumferential surface portion. 64-108. (canceled)
 109. Use of acapsule according to claim 1 in a beverage preparation device comprisingan enclosing member for receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosingmember comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid underpressure into the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation devicefurther comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, forclosing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, whereinthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device furthercomprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and afree contact end, said free contact end of the annular elementoptionally being provided with a plurality of radial grooves; andwherein the capsule contains a substance for the preparation of apotable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by meansof the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule by the fluidinjection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsulecomprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis,and wherein a circumferential capsule direction of the capsule isextending around said central capsule body axis, said aluminum capsulebody being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardlyextending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum coverattached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the side wall, the bottom and the cover areenclosing an inner space of the capsule, and wherein the cover has anouter cover surface facing away from the inner space, and wherein thecapsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extendingflange for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of the closing member of the beveragepreparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule aresubstantially sealingly engaged with the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device; and wherein the capsule further comprisesan elastic support structure, which is attached to the outer coversurface of the cover in a support structure attachment area of the outercover surface, wherein the support structure attachment area, as seen inprojection along the central capsule body axis, is extending at leastpartly along the outwardly extending flange and at least partly in thecircumferential capsule direction, in such manner that, if the capsuleis freely resting with its elastic support structure on a fully straightreference surface, the elastic support structure provides a spacingbetween the outwardly extending flange and said fully straight referencesurface, said spacing being constant all around in the circumferentialcapsule direction.
 110. Use according to claim 109, wherein, if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of theclosing member of the beverage preparation device, the elastic supportstructure along parts of the circumferential capsule direction definesbeverage leakage passageways passing at least radially through theelastic support structure and extending between the outer cover surfaceof the cover of the capsule and the closing member of the beveragepreparation device.
 111. (canceled)
 112. Use according to claim 109,wherein, in use, during brewing, a free end of the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device exerts a force F2 on the sealing memberof the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferablyin the range of 750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in therange of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar and wherein thereexists the fluid sealing contact.
 113. Use according to claim 109,wherein in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, a free end of theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F1 onthe sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contactbetween the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluidpressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceoutside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 barand wherein there exists the fluid sealing contact.
 114. Use accordingto claim 109, wherein the plurality of radially extending open groovesare uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction ofthe free contact end of the annular element of the beverage preparationdevice.